Monday, Nov 28 2011 5:17PM

The House Committee on Natural Resources recently passed the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership (HEARTH) Act by unanimous vote. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee passed a companion bill in July.

The bill, sponsored and originally introduced in 2009 by Congressman Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, will allow tribal governments to approve trust land leases directly. Current procedures require the federal government's Bureau of Indian Affairs to grant approval, which advocates of the legislation say takes too long.

"The HEARTH Act of 2011 will go a long way in strengthening tribal self-determination and tribal economies at the same time. We know the time frame for individual tribal members to receive a home-site lease is arduous and can be as long as three years under the current Bureau of Indian Affairs process, but we anticipate that these improvements in leasing and enhanced tribal control over surface leasing will help more tribal members get into homes," said National American Indian Housing Council chairwoman Cheryl Causley.

According to Causley, shortening the decision-making process will improve the delivery of Federal housing assistance and lead to greater economic opportunities in native communities. Many pueblos, tribes and housing organizations support the legislation for these reasons, as well as because it would increase the control tribes hold over their lands.

For further reference, check out this source: National American Indian Housing Council